Jalsa Salana Germany begins in Karlsruhe

Jalsa Salana Germany begins in Karlsruhe

Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community says it is task of Ahmadi Muslims to prove existence of God as atheism continues to rise in the West

The 42nd Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Germany began on Friday with a Friday Sermon delivered by the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad.

Prior to the Sermon, His Holiness raised the Flag of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat) to officially inaugurate the event, whilst the German National Flag was also raised.

Over 30,000 delegates from dozens of countries are attending the 3-day event, during which Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad will deliver a total of 4 addresses, including an English address to non-Ahmadi guests on Saturday afternoon.

During his Friday Sermon, His Holiness spoke about the spiritual objectives of the Jalsa and the need for people to establish a living link with Allah the Almighty and to serve humanity.

Commencing his address, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Every Ahmadi Muslim knows that this Jalsa Salana, for which we have gathered once again, is not a place for materialistic gains or recreation, rather, our purpose is to partake in its spiritual atmosphere and for the sake of our moral reformation. Thus, we should endeavour to increase our religious knowledge and righteousness. We should learn our faith and seek to act upon it by fulfilling the rights of God and of mankind.”

Reflecting on the current state of the world, His Holiness said that increasingly people in the West were adopting atheism and, as a result, the core concepts of religion, such as a belief in the acceptance of prayer were being denied and mocked.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“In this day and age, belief in God has very much declined in Europe and atheism is increasing. Regrettably, many in the Muslim world presume that the material success of Western and European nations is due to this abandonment of religion. However, they are wrong and should know that there can be no benefit in forsaking their religion.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“God Almighty desires for those who advocate atheism to be refuted through rational dialogue and answers and therefore He established the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and so we have taken on the mantle of enlightening the world of the true peaceful teachings of Islam. Thus, it is imperative that Ahmadi Muslims do not themselves adopt materialism or move away from God Almighty. Rather, our objective and our mission is to prove the existence of God, to show the teachings of Islam and the reality of the acceptance of prayer.”

Referring to practicing the true teachings of Islam, His Holiness said that Muslims have the most perfect example to follow in the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who practiced the best of morals.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“The perfect morals and prayers of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are the greatest example for us all to follow in all respects. He practically showed us the best moral conduct in all aspects of life. He shone a light on how we should behave both amongst others and in our homes.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“It is a cause of regret that there are still some who cause problems within their homes and disregard the feelings of their family members. Yet, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us to be ever mindful of the emotions of our loved ones and to show love to children. Furthermore, he taught us to care for the emotions of all members of society and said that we must never seek conflict or abuse the trusts placed upon us. He taught us to be humble in every situation and to always remain truthful and so there is not a single moral quality that was not practiced in the most perfect manner by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him).”

His Holiness said that the love Muslims hold for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) should not just be exhibited through words but must be exhibited through their conduct.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“It should not be the case that on the one hand, a person raises slogans in praise of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) but on the other hand, he or she carries out grievous injustices and atrocities in his name. Yet, tragically this is the state of the majority of Muslims today. There are so many extremist groups and also governments that are conducting heinous crimes in the name of Islam and the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and through their hateful actions, they are falsely exhibiting the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) as a symbol of injustice and cruelty, whereas the truth is, and always will be, that he came as an everlasting source of mercy for mankind.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“Let it be clear that the efforts of those who seek to malign and defame the blessed name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) will never succeed and are destined to fail. This is the reason God Almighty sent the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) and today the community that he established – the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – is striving to practice and preach the true teachings of Islam in all parts of the world. This is our task and this is our mission.”

Amongst the Islamic good morals explained during the sermon, His Holiness also spoke about protecting other people and to show discretion.

His Holiness quoted the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him), who said:

“If you see someone commit a sin or do something wrong, you should pray for them that may God save and forgive them. You should not seek to announce and proclaim their mistake to others. When a father’s own son does something wrong, the father does not scold him in front of everyone, rather he seeks to guide and reform him privately. The same loving and kind treatment you have towards your son, you should replicate for others.”

Concluding his address, His Holiness advised the attendees of the Jalsa Salana and the volunteers organising the event to be mindful of good morals at all times.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Whatever the circumstances, no volunteer should respond in a way that leaves a negative impression. Always serve people with a smile in all circumstances.”

Later, His Holiness also answered questions during a 30-minute Press Conference with journalists from a range of countries.